The House-Sitter

By Robb Lanum

Dave was the best house-sitter. He’d cook a nice dinner at his hosts’ place, browse their wine collection, and help himself.

After figuring out where the dishes went, he’d peruse their music and movie collections. Then the bedrooms, closets, filing cabinets. Dave usually had a few days, so he could take his time. Souvenirs, old letters, family photos. The stories they tell…

But Dave never took anything. On the contrary, he would leave a little something. Hidden deep, like a secret. The trick was to hide it where it would inevitably be found, but not for years. Dave took his time.